Credentials, Curriculum, and Access: The Debate Over Nurse Preparation

Abstract

The United States is currently facing a critical nursing shortage. At the same time, the health care delivery system and the demands placed on health care personnel are rapidly changing.

Nurse educators and colleges of nursing play a critical role in stemming the nursing shortage while ensuring that new entrants to the profession are prepared to function in the modern workplace. However, there are multiple pathways to RN licensure, and existing research is inconclusive as to the most appropriate educational background for entry into nursing.

This monograph is a comprehensive report that addresses the issues surrounding the BSN/ADN debate.